President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon has begun a pivotal visit to Saudi Arabia, marking the first such visit from a Lebanese head of state in six years. His discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman aim to restore diplomatic and trade relations while reactivating a $3 billion military aid package for Lebanon’s army. This visit symbolizes the thawing of relations, critical for Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts following years of strife.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has made a significant visit to Riyadh, marking the first time a Lebanese head of state has traveled to Saudi Arabia in six years. During this trip, he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which is expected to enhance diplomatic relations between the two nations. This meeting also aims to revive economic connections and reconstruction efforts in Lebanon, alongside the reactivation of a vital $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army, as indicated by Aoun during his comments last week.
The visit represents an important moment to highlight the strong ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and to express gratitude for Saudi support in maintaining Lebanon’s stability and ensuring the functionality of its governmental institutions. This significant diplomatic engagement follows a recent visit to Beirut by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, indicating a warming relationship between the countries.
President Aoun, a former army chief, was elected on January 9, bringing an end to a prolonged political standoff that lasted over two years amid severe economic turmoil. His election aligns him closely with both Riyadh and Washington, particularly following Hezbollah’s diminishing power due to a recent conflict with Israel. The reestablishment of relations with Saudi Arabia is vital for Lebanon, which hopes to see an end to the travel ban and a resumption of trade, aiding its recovery from the devastation caused by the conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel.
Historically, relations between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have faced challenges, notably when Riyadh suspended a $3 billion military aid package to Lebanon’s army in 2016 due to Hezbollah’s political influence. President Aoun expressed his intention to select Saudi Arabia as his inaugural destination due to their longstanding historic ties and its influential role regionally and globally. He remarked, “I hope and expect that Saudi Arabia will help us reset relations in the interest of both countries and overcome recent obstacles.”
In conclusion, President Joseph Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia is poised to revitalize Lebanon’s diplomatic and economic relations with the kingdom. By reactivating a crucial military aid package and emphasizing the importance of bilateral ties, both nations can work together to overcome previous challenges and foster mutual growth. This visit symbolizes hope for Lebanon’s recovery following turbulent years and represents a strategic move towards stability and support from Saudi Arabia.
Original Source: economymiddleeast.com
